The journey to becoming a Franchisee

At McDonald's, we do franchising differently. From our hands-on in-restaurant training to our cutting-edge business curriculum, we’ve built a process to find and support dedicated candidates who want to perform at the highest level, using our resilient business model and trusted playbook to help build rewarding careers.

How the process works

Fill out the inquiry form

This short form lets us know you’re interested in franchising with McDonald’s. Once you submit the form, you’ll then receive an email with an application to complete.

Complete the application process

Our application lets us get to know you better and see what makes you a good fit for a franchise opportunity. If your application is approved, you’ll then have two rounds of interviews to complete before being accepted into the candidate program.

Start training

Our world-class program combines 6-12 months of practical and classroom experience to help you learn the skills to run a McDonald’s restaurant business. Don’t worry, we work around your availability and give you enough notice before you begin.

Review franchise opportunity

Franchise candidates that successfully complete the training program will be contacted by McDonald’s, in its sole and absolute discretion, to discuss available McDonald’s franchise opportunities for purchase. Depending on the availability of suitable restaurants, there may be a delay between completing training and identifying a franchise opportunity.

Complete restaurant purchase

The last step in your journey! Upon completing your restaurant(s) purchase, you will be a McDonald's Franchisee responsible for running the day-to-day operation of your business.

What it takes

McDonald’s does franchising differently. Our training program sets us apart in the quick-service restaurant industry because our candidates don’t just learn how to run a restaurant; they learn how to run a business. 

To enter the training program, you must:

  • Divest of all existing business interests . 
  • Be ready to commit to the daily operation and management of a restaurant opportunity, including overseeing finances, reinvesting in the business, and leading a team. 
  • Complete an extensive 6–12 month training program that includes your ability to work a number of different hours and days a week, depending on restaurant operating hours. 
  • Relocate based on restaurant availability.
  • Demonstrate at least $750,000 (net) in non-borrowed, unencumbered personal funds (we do not allow partnerships or investors), which does not include at least $100,000 for working capital and a recommended $75,000 for relocation.*

Dive into training and development

Our hands-on franchise training provides the guidance and support that can help you build a thriving, resilient business and chart the future of a global brand. Discover exactly what’s included in our playbook and hear from fellow Franchisees. 

Fill out the form below to get the guide.

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More on franchising with McDonald’s

The realities of franchising

A McDonald’s franchise isn’t just a business opportunity; it’s an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial considerations and what it takes to franchise with McDonald’s.

What it takes to franchise

Be part of something bigger

Find out how our Franchisees are building meaningful careers and creating a lasting impact in the communities where they live and work.

Watch Franchisee stories

Ready to make
your mark?

Fill out the application and take your first step toward becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee

Apply now

Questions? We have answers.

For US franchising questions, please email us at franchising@us.mcd.com, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

For all other questions, check out our Contact page.

* These estimates relate solely to the purchase and operation of an existing restaurant. Establishing a brand-new restaurant would require a greater investment (see our Franchise Disclosure Document), as would the purchase of multiple restaurants and/or restaurant(s) in certain regions. Foreign-held funds will not be considered when determining if you possess the needed resources, and equity in your primary residence will only be considered after you meet the $750,000 (net) minimum from other sources. Possession of the above-stated amounts does not guarantee that you will become a Franchisee. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to make exceptions to the training program selection criteria listed above.

McDonald’s USA, LLC, 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, Illinois 60607. Minnesota File No. 10. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. U.S. residents: Please note that the states of California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin regulate the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states, or seeking a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have qualified for an exemption, or have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. New York residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law.

However you want to order, make sure it’s easy

Enjoy McDonald’s on your terms
Order Pickup

Scan the code, download the McD’s app & start earning points.*
Order Pickup

Scan the code, download the McD’s app & start earning points.*
*Must opt-in to Rewards to receive points on eligible purchases in the app. You will not earn points when ordering delivery through this website. To earn points on your delivery order, order McDelivery in the McDonald’s app. Prices for delivery may be higher than at restaurants. Delivery/other fees may apply.